Much like early humans banded together to fend off threats by packs of wolves, some faculty members are uniting to fend off real or perceived threats to education by artificial intelligence. 

Such alliances, even when unofficial, are survival mechanisms, according to evolutionary psychologists. The divisions echo allied social groups formed during past higher ed disruptions, including the emergence of online learning and efforts to diversify literature curricula.

Illustration: Randy Lyhus

Over the past two and a half years, combatting perceived out-of-control leftism in higher education has become not only a salient conservative talking point but a legislative priority in some states.

But according to a new national poll, Americans from both major political parties tend to oppose substantial government influence over what’s taught in college classrooms.

During the 2017-18 academic year, Louisiana became the first state to make completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a high school graduation requirement. The idea behind the policy is to help students become more aware of what financial aid is available to them.
 
While FAFSA completion is associated with higher education enrollment, research is less clear on whether these mandates increase college-going rates. Still, mandates are gaining traction in state legislatures across the country. Now, three more states are mulling whether to implement the policy.